The open nature of the Android Market has led to a 472 percent increase in malware threats to the platform over the past four months alone, a new mobile security report claims.

Juniper Global Threat Center published a report earlier this week noting that it has been discovering new Android malware at an exponential rate over the last several months, as reported by Jim Dalrymple of The Loop.

The mobile security group attributed the problem to the lack of a review process, the relative ease of making a developer account anonymous and the mere $25 fee required to begin posting applications.

The platform is unprotected because it operates "with no upfront review process, no one checking to see that your application does what it says, just the worlds largest majority of smartphone users skimming past your applications description page with whatever description of the application the developer chooses to include," the firm said.

In a previous report, Juniper had found a 400 percent increase in Android malware from 2009 to the summer of 2010, but a recent flood of malicious applications has eclipsed that growth. In August, detected malware samples increased by 10 percent, then by 18 percent in September. October saw a 110 percent increase on top of the previous month, and November has so far seen a 111 percent increase.

Spyware made up 55 percent of the samples, while the majority of other attacks came in the form of SMS Trojans that secretly send text messages to premium numbers. Juniper believes that the same people who wrote malicious code for older platforms such as Symbian and Windows Mobile have now set their sites on Android because of its substantial market share gains.

The firm opted not to go so far as to say that Apple's iOS is more secure than Android, offering only a "maybe," but it did note that the approach that Apple has taken to police its App Store has helped the company avoid malware on its platform.

"Androids open applications store model, which lacks code signing and an application review process that Apple requires, makes it easy for attackers to distribute their malware," the report concluded. "Until there comes a time that someone (ever heard of Charlie Miller?) figures out a tried and true way to get malicious applications into the App Store, Android will remain the target of mobile malware writers around the world."

Miller, an expert security researcher known for repeatedly hacking Apple's products, revealed last week that a code signing security flaw in iOS made it possible for malware to steal user data and take control of certain functions. He managed to sneak a proof-of-concept app into the App Store in order to demonstrate the issue, but Apple quickly removed the application and booted him from the iOS Developer Program after reports emerged regarding the vulnerability.

Juniper's warnings on the recent barrage of Android malware come on the heels of several other cautionary reports that have emerged in recent months. Security firm Lookout and market research company Retrevo both called attention to the problem this summer, noting that iOS has proven to be safer than Android.

An August report from McAfee found that Android had become the most-targeted platform for malware while iOS was untouched.

For fun check to see how many "Hello World" type apps are in the Android Market. I think I'll stick with the walled garden that is the App Store.

It's about "choice". Who cares if iOS is stable, free of malware, and an overall pleasure to use? Flash and Malware are choices even if they make for a crappy experience. With Android, I have the luxury of experiencing crap -- You don't!!

It's evidence of the complete lack of control when Chapter 1 Program 1 test projects can be uploaded to Android Market.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Postulant

It's about "choice". Who cares if iOS is stable, free of malware, and an overall pleasure to use? Flash and Malware are choices even if they make for a crappy experience. With Android, I have the luxury of experiencing crap -- You don't!!

I trust you are being sarcastic.

Dick Applebaum on whether the iPad is a personal computer: "BTW, I am posting this from my iPad pc while sitting on the throne... personal enough for you?"

Is it any surprise that thieves, criminals and lowlifes flock to Android like flies flock to doggy poo?

You'd figure that it was bad enough to be using an inferior OS, which provides the users with many hours of choppy and laggy enjoyment, but they also are the #1 targeted mobile platform in the world for malware.

Why? Because they are morons, that's why.

Any freak can upload anything they want to the Android market. It could be the worst malware ever written and nobody would give a shit, because anything goes on Android. It's a free for all. I feel sorry for the suckers using such a pathetic OS. Enjoy your openness.

Stuff like this makes me wonder how seriously Amazon is thinking about an Amazon phone.

You know they will. They'll just sell it as a loss leader hoping to recoup through sells of their content. Which is fine, but why not build a great product with amazing software to consume and take advantage of your content?

Arguably the malware infection rate on Android has been 100% since the day it was released given that Android itself is spyware.
Remember, they have said their goal is to know everything about everyone. It's the biggest trojan infestation of all and tens of millions have fallen for it.

I recently saw an ad for anti-virus for Android. It shocked me a little bit when I realized that Android users are stuck in the same malware nightmare world that PC users are. With my iPhone I had forgotten about such things. When I see an app I like I buy it. I don't worry about it possibly destroying my telephone.

I feel sorry for the suckers using such a pathetic OS. Enjoy your openness.

I assure you we don't want your pity. I feel sorry for those, such as yourself, who have their identity so completely wrapped up in what mobile OS they use that they start to identify themselves--and others--by their phone. iPhones and Androids are a device; they are not a way of life.

I recently saw an ad for anti-virus for Android. It shocked me a little bit when I realized that Android users are stuck in the same malware nightmare world that PC users are. With my iPhone I had forgotten about such things. When I see an app I like I buy it. I don't worry about it possibly destroying my telephone.

Antivirus software on a phone? Great. Something to put dual core processors and battery-draining multitasking to good use.

Is it any surprise that thieves, criminals and lowlifes flock to Android like flies flock to doggy poo?

You'd figure that it was bad enough to be using an inferior OS, which provides the users with many hours of choppy and laggy enjoyment, but they also are the #1 targeted mobile platform in the world for malware.

Why? Because they are morons, that's why.

Any freak can upload anything they want to the Android market. It could be the worst malware ever written and nobody would give a shit, because anything goes on Android. It's a free for all. I feel sorry for the suckers using such a pathetic OS. Enjoy your openness.

You guys do realize this is merely the existence of malware and not the existence of the malware IN the marketplace right?

You all sound like you'd rather lock your kids inside (with nice toys and good food and friends only you approve of) as opposed to giving them advice and letting them make their own way in the world.

No, you've got an awfully low threshold for fun.

It's not like "locking your kids inside," it's putting poisons up high so they're not a serious problem.

By the way, to the Charlie Miller fans out there, apparently the last software update handled the problems he brought to light. And 5.0.2 is next. I suppose you're not used to quick patches, or updates that just show up for your phone, which gets updated rather constantly. What percent of free and open phones get that?

If Androids want to understand their "liberty" as the freedom of having antivirus software on a phone, well, I can't help them. To each his own.

It's about "choice". Who cares if iOS is stable, free of malware, and an overall pleasure to use? Flash and Malware are choices even if they make for a crappy experience. With Android, I have the luxury of experiencing crap -- You don't!!

It's not like "locking your kids inside," it's putting poisons up high so they're not a serious problem.

By the way, to the Charlie Miller fans out there, apparently the last software update handled the problems he brought to light. And 5.0.2 is next. I suppose you're not used to quick patches, or updates that just show up for your phone, which gets updated rather constantly. What percent of free and open phones get that?

If Androids want to understand their "liberty" as the freedom of having antivirus software on a phone, well, I can't help them. To each his own.

You do realize you've created a strawman right?

I'm not saying that having an anti-virus on your phone is freedom (show me where I said that, or even mentioned anti-virus)

I'm saying that being locked in a garden where nothing OTHER PEOPLE don't approve of gets in is not fun. And is pretty much the antithesis of freedom.

You live in a benevolent dictatorship, I live somewhere in between that and an anarchistic society. (being that I use an iPad and an Android phone)

You are suggesting that anarchy must be chaotic. And I am saying if you are not a total moron trying to steal apps or who leaps before he looks (reads something before approving an install) then you bring it on yourself.

Both systems work, and as I've said constantly iOS's ecosystem is great...just not for me.

Could Google gain a lot by adopting some stricter controls? most likely.

I assure you we don't want your pity. I feel sorry for those, such as yourself, who have their identity so completely wrapped up in what mobile OS they use that they start to identify themselves--and others--by their phone. iPhones and Androids are a device; they are not a way of life.

Grow up.

Let's see, you say "we don't want your pity" and then you bash us for identifying ourselves with our choice of OS.

So who's this "we" you speak of? Are you identifying with the Android crowd? Are you so completely wrapped up in what OS you use that you start identifying yourself by your phone?

This is beyond stupid! Surely the intellectual and wise folks at google knew this approach left their platform wide-open for attacks? Openness and stupidity do not go hand in hand but apparently with Android it does.

It's about "choice". Who cares if iOS is stable, free of malware, and an overall pleasure to use? Flash and Malware are choices even if they make for a crappy experience. With Android, I have the luxury of experiencing crap -- You don't!!

Let's see, you say "we don't want your pity" and then you bash us for identifying ourselves with our choice of OS.

I didn't "bash you," or anyone specifically but the person I quoted (and I'd argue I didn't "bash" him either). I have no idea why you're seemingly offended, unless you're an alt.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Psych_guy

So who's this "we" you speak of? Are you identifying with the Android crowd? Are you so completely wrapped up in what OS you use that you start identifying yourself by your phone?

"We" as in people who own Android, as in the people he was speaking about. I don't identify with the "Android crowd" unless you define it as those who own Android phones--believe it or not, but not all Android users think the same things, much as iOS owners don't either. I don't define myself by it and I also don't judge or disparage others who use other OSs, much as Apple ][ was, which was my point. I don't care if he identifies with iOS, that's fine, but to be so absorbed by that where only your choice is the "right" choice--to speak on behalf of others who do not need be spoken on behalf of--is simply childish. Appe ]['s quote really reminds me of the Nintendo vs Sega days...when I was 8.

You guys do realize this is merely the existence of malware and not the existence of the malware IN the marketplace right?

You all sound like you'd rather lock your kids inside (with nice toys and good food and friends only you approve of) as opposed to giving them advice and letting them make their own way in the world.

Not having to worry about malware or the possibility of it showing up on my iPhone gives me a comforting feeling knowing I can spend more time giving my children advice and guidance as they make their own way in the world.

I don't want to have to care or even think about having to protect my phone against malware. My walled garden has all of the apps I will ever want or need on my phone without needing it to be open....and vulnerable.

I think most smartphone users feel the same way. I know iPhone users do. They live it everyday.....virtually carefree.

If you want to spend the time researching the clean apps or worrying about the (possible) risk, be my guest.

In the meantime, I'll be using my iPhone without a worry in the world.

Not having to worry about malware or the possibility of it showing up on my iPhone gives me a comforting feeling knowing I can spend more time giving my children advice and guidance as they make their own way in the world.

I don't want to have to care or even think about having to protect my phone against malware. My walled garden has all of the apps I will ever want or need on my phone without needing it to be open....and vulnerable.

I think most smartphone users feel the same way. I know iPhone users do. They live it everyday.....virtually carefree.

If you want to spend the time researching the clean apps or worrying about the (possible) risk, be my guest.

In the meantime, I'll be using my iPhone without a worry in the world.

The Malware doesn't just show up on your phone. You have to find an app, install an app, ignore the permissions, confirm you want to install the app and then install the app, and in most cases (if not all) open the app.

It's not like your phone is a frail person and the malware is a gang of angry youths intent on ruining your day.

Most smartphone don't own iPhones, which suggests it's not that important to most people.

Most smartphone buyers are unaware that they need to be aware of the real possibility of becoming infected in one way or another. Those of us who are aware....purchase iPhones.

Given time, those non-iPhone smartphone owners will get tired of dealing, which is the same reason why I hear so many ex-Windows PC users say that since the've switched to the Mac....they will never go back...and that they now know why us Apple lovers....love Apple.

Open system, you get all the crap that comes with it. This is exactly why Apple does what it does to protect us the customer from having to deal with all the crap! That's why Windows is losing share to the Mac for the very same exact reason. Everyone whines about Apple being a closed system but once you get a virus on that open Windows system suddenly things are not so great especially when you have to erase and install everything all over again. All that freedom comes with a BIG price, stability, reliability, and even security.

I assure you we don't want your pity. I feel sorry for those, such as yourself, who have their identity so completely wrapped up in what mobile OS they use that they start to identify themselves--and others--by their phone. iPhones and Androids are a device; they are not a way of life.

Grow up.

That "it's not a way of life" argument worked back in the 80s when computers just shuffled around numbers and played some really rudimentary games, but computers and mobile devices have become an inseparable part of our daily lives. They hold photos, personal information, contacts, home movies, email, voicemail, text messages, work, play, entertainment, etc. They're the starting point for half the things we do in our work and personal lives. We trade photos and movies and jokes and stories there. We connect with our network of friends and family with those devices.

So, yes, sorry to break it to you, but it is a way of life. These things are a matter of lifestyle. And it has been for a long time. And as such, qualitative decisions about these things do matter and do say something about your priorities and who you are and your expectations.

What does it matter to you if those preferences become intertwined with personal feelings? That's to be expected. I don't like fanboy dick-size arguments any more than you do, but don't dismiss the passion someone might feel for their chosen platform as irrelevant. We don't do that to people for their favorite car or sports team or beer, and yet those things are not nearly as integrated into our personal lives as computers and phones.

And hey, if you don't see that, and you view computers and mobile phones as nothing more than a tool or a dumb piece of equipment, then you get my pity whether you want it or not.

And hey, if you don't see that, and you view computers and mobile phones as nothing more than a tool or a dumb piece of equipment, then you get my pity whether you want it or not.

Smart phones are a way of life; I never disputed that (though I realize my wording might have been confusing). Brands shouldn't be--not to the extent where some are actively insulting others for having *gasp* different taste.

And yes, I despise people who deem those who like a different sports team as lesser individuals just as harshly as those who do the same for brands, regardless of the product.

Quote:

Originally Posted by inkswamp

And hey, if you don't see that, and you view computers and mobile phones as nothing more than a tool or a dumb piece of equipment, then you get my pity whether you want it or not.

They are just exactly just that: tools. Products. Materialism. That's not to say they can't be useful, but the obsession and defensiveness some exhibit is getting, frankly, disturbing. Pity me for that if you wish; I'm not the one deserving of it.